Kelly Starr, speech language pathologist from the University of Michigan Hospital works with local care providers today during a presentation about cochlear implants

“Today’s presentation was meant to get support for our children with hearing impairments,” said Jean Pyykkonen, the Copper Country Intermediate School District’s teacher consultant for hearing impaired students. “Everyone that attended today’s session works with these children, and will now have a better understanding of these children’s needs.”

The attendees ranged from parents, to pre-school and high school teachers, to speech pathologists and audiologists, all of which were specifically invited.

“We need to give everyone the basic knowledge of cochlear implants so we can all work together for these children,” Pyykkonen said.

It’s the first time experts from Ann Arbor have been to the Copper Country to talk about the issue.

“We want to help these professional care givers,” said Dr. Heidi Slager, Aud, an audiologist at the Ann Arbor-based hospital. “Recent changes in devices and strategies have changed the field, and we want everyone to be as updated as possible.”

“Essentially we had met officials from the U of M at a networking event, and realized this was a great opportunity for our community,” said Nancy Reed, M.A., an audiologist at Portage Health. “This information is vital to the people here today, and we’re happy people have this opportunity.”

“I want you to be ambassadors for sleep to your families, friends and future employers,” Dr. Smoot told the students.

The presentation aimed to help students develop healthy sleep patterns. Creating and developing a healthy sleep schedule can make a sizable different for adults at any age.

“Sleep has always been a key element for a human’s well being,” Dr. Smoot told the students. “Some of the greatest human civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans had a focus on sleep that we don’t seem to have anymore.”

His presentation was the opening keynote address to the students, who were involved in several breakout sessions throughout the day before finishing up with another keynote speaker, Kim Cameron, head coach of the Michigan Tech women’s basketball team.